To reduce the cost of an apartment, some renters turn to something called income-restricted housing. At complexes that offer income-restricted apartments, the monthly rental amount takes into account the renter’s income.

More and more Americans are choosing to work freelance, be self-employed, or join the gig economy. This has caused the typical rental application process to shift dramatically from even five years ago. If you’re one of the more than 15 million self-employed people in the U.S., you may have noticed that it can be particularly difficult to get your apartment application through the approval process. Why is this and what can you do to make sure you get the apartment of your dreams? Read the rest of this entry »

Relocating to Oklahoma’s capital? You’ll find that Oklahoma City is filled with plenty of adventures for you to cherish, all wrapped in deep-rooted Southern Charm. Become a part of the action and see why Oklahoma City’s is moniker “The Big Friendly” when you see these five sights.

1. Lose Yourself in the Bricktown Entertainment District

Take a stroll on the district’s brick-lined street and see why this revitalized downtown warehouse district is one of the most booming areas in the metro. Located east of downtown, it’s a destination where the city’s rousing nightlife is filled with entertainment at every corner, a hub where self-proclaimed foodies dine at some of the city’s delectable establishments, and a place where shoppers’ dreams come true. Take in all that Bricktown has to offer from a water taxi on Bricktown Canal to hitting the dance floor all night long. Don’t be surprised if you come back to the “The Brick” for more. Read the rest of this entry »

Everyone who is seeking a new apartment is looking for something special. For some, the desire for a better quality of life is driving them to seek an apartment upgrade. For others, life circumstances have created the need to upsize or downsize their living space. Some seek a better location, while others want better amenities. Some are even seeking a more affordable place to live.

In honor of the return of football season – as well as the annual Fantasy Football ritual – we would like to offer our top draft picks for the most desired apartment amenities:

Top Draft Pick – Location

There is an apartment out there for anyone. That also means that there is an apartment anywhere that is needed. Some people choose downtown living with great walkability. Some prefer an apartment in the suburbs, so that they can have more peace and live away from the hustle and bustle. But the one top location pick is an apartment closer to work. Americans waste an average of 520 hours a year (over 21 days of their life) on their daily commute between home and work. Having an apartment closer to the office gives you back the majority of this valuable time. Most of us are already working more hours than ever before. The time has come to allow us to get back as much free time as possible.

Round Two & Three –Size Matters

Is bigger better? Not always. For families that are growing or shrinking in size, apartment space is a focal point of their needs. Singles seeking a new apartment also focus heavily on the size of their future apartment. For some situations, bigger is better. These include expanding families, the need for a home office, and even more space for pets. But smaller can be a premium selection too. A smaller apartment allows for a life less filled with clutter. It also allows renters to save money on utilities. Every person has different needs. So for today’s apartment shopper, size matters.

Rounds Four through Nine – High Tech

Technology has driven a new revolution in the apartment market. From smart phones that open your front door, to Bluetooth technology interconnecting all of your appliances, technological advances in the apartment industry are ahead of single-family homes in many markets. At the hub is the much-talked-about “Internet of Things”, which turns an otherwise regular apartment into a “smart apartment”. Also, the ability to have a better cellular signal and faster internet connections are focal points for apartment shoppers. Even apartment community offices are becoming more high-tech with SMS messaging to residents and shoppers, as well as a variety of amenities. One popular amenity is package arrival notifications so residents know when their items from Amazon (or other sources) arrive to the community office or mailroom. Another great tech feature is interactive virtual fitness centers that allow you to work out with people from around the world. Whatever your tech desire, the chances are your next apartment community has just what you are looking for.

Final Round Selections – Lifestyle

Today’s apartment communities are much more than just a series of stacked boxes where people live. They are centers of culture and each one offers a unique lifestyle. And this is one of the most underappreciated factors of apartment life. You can live close to your friends and close to your family. You also have plenty of options for social entertainment that is included as part of your rent. Many people even find new friends, new loves and new adventures because of the opportunities provided to them thanks to living the apartment lifestyle.

No matter what you are seeking for your apartment, the team at ApartmentSearch is here to help you score a big win. Finding everything you want in your next apartment is as easy as a visit to www.apartmentsearch.com. The system is easy to use and is free. Plus, ApartmentSearch is the only national apartment locating service that pays you a reward when you let your apartment community know that you found them using ApartmentSearch. That means you score big with a terrific new apartment and bunch of rewards to help you get ready for game day.

Shopping for an apartment is more challenging than ever before with the wide variety of new apartments to choose from, as well as the rising rent costs in certain regions. Many Americans are paying higher rent costs – rates rose four percent in April to reach a median $1,364, according to Zillow, but they are getting more bang for their buck. As a result, weighing all the different apartments in various neighborhoods in your city can often seem like a daunting task.

Lansing, Michigan is a hotbed of politics, culture, higher education, and the arts. No matter if you’re just looking to visit or hoping to settle down with a new apartment in Lansing, there’s a lot to explore and experience. Here are some of our favorite Lansing landmarks to check out on your next visit to Michigan’s capital city! Read the rest of this entry »

Whether you are moving to a new area because you graduated, are taking a new job, are newly retired, or for any other reason, there is so much to learn about your new destination. In the midst of all that is involved with moving to a new area, finding the best apartment for you can often seem overwhelming. Here, Virginia Miner, senior area manager of Destination Services for ApartmentSearch, explains how to find the right apartment for you.

Nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains, Knoxville has a rich history dating back to the 1780s. With a newly developed downtown area and increased interest in the arts, Knoxville has found success in revitalizing the area. Not only is the cost of living lower than other southern cities, but also there are a wide variety of exciting attractions for residents and visitors. Here are a few of our favorite places to see:

Built in the 1920s, the Tennessee Theatre opened as “the South’s most beautiful theatre.” Today, the Theatre has been renovated and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Whether you want to see the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra, stand-up comedy shows, or even a rendition of the Rocky Horror Picture Show, the Tennessee Theatre presents a variety of productions. Read the rest of this entry »

While everyone believes that the city in which they live is the best, the experts contend there are some that are better than others, particularly for job growth, favorable earnings-to-cost of living ratios and a safe and comfortable lifestyle. This Valentine’s Day, ApartmentSearch.com recognizes five of the top fastest-growing cities in the U.S., according to Forbes magazine. These are the cities that more of us desire to move to, in order to create a better lifestyle for ourselves:

Houston, Texas: Houston is the fastest-growing city in the U.S., thanks to a surge in the energy industry and exports. Houston’s job growth outpaces the rest of the U.S. at 4.5 percent, compared to the prior year. The city – known for its friendly atmosphere, rodeos and thriving arts culture – also boasts median annual pay for college-educated workers of $71,900 – the fourth highest in the U.S. among metropolitan areas. Plus – as Houston residents can attest – the cost of living is much lower than many other cities, thanks to affordable apartments and homes.

So you finally found the absolutely perfect apartment for rent? Before you pop that bottle of champagne and kick back to celebrate, take pause; there may be a few considerations your new property manager or owner didn’t mention. Here are the key questions to ask before you take the renting plunge.

What amenities are included?

What is the parking situation like? Where do residents wash their laundry? What appliances come standard? When moving into a new complex, it’s easy to forget that not all apartments are created equal. Some complexes may require assigned, paid parking spots or don’t have a laundry facility on-site. Asking about the amenities can help narrow down your choices. Read the rest of this entry »